Falcons undrafted rookie profile: OL Robert Leff

Falcons undrafted rookie profile: OL Robert Leff

Here’s everything you need to know about the Atlanta Falcons’ undrafted rookie offensive lineman Robert Leff.

Measurements (from nfldraftscout.com)

Height: 6-5

Weight: 302 lbs

40 Yard Dash: 5.20 seconds

Bench Press: 20 reps of 225 lbs

Broad Jump: 103 inch

Vert Jump: 28.5 inch

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.76 seconds

3-Cone Drill: 7.87 seconds

Background

After a slow start at Auburn in which he was moved around the offensive line as a backup, Leff finally earned a starting position as a senior. With Avery Young departing for the NFL, Leff won the competition for the vacant right tackle job. He started every game on his way to second-team All-SEC honors.

Strengths

The Falcons have signed Auburn OT Robert Leff as a UDFA, who was arguably the best run-blocking tackle in this draft class. pic.twitter.com/irJ6JrHsrW

Uses his body well when run blocking to move defenders out of the way. Won’s pancake players but does a good job boxing them out in order to create running lanes.

Shows good awareness when picking up blocks and assisting with double-teams. Will seek out a defender if he finds himself in space.

Fluid mover who is comfortable ascending to the second level to block.

Agile enough to fit into Atlanta’s zone blocking scheme.

Has the skill set to be able to play on the interior and provide depth at multiple positions.

Weaknesses

Struggles in pass protection. Capable of making initial contact but has issues maintaining blocks and gets beaten on the edge too often.

Leff comes from an unorthodox system at Auburn employing multiple possible ball carriers. With a strong emphasis on running the ball, misdirection and keeping defenses guessing, how will he adapt to a pro-style offense?

Limited ceiling. Average athleticism and lacks the mean streak that can set the tone on the offensive line.

Summary

While the Falcons will be looking for a swing tackle following the departure of Tom Compton, Leff’s future should be on the interior. While there looks to be an open competition for the starting right guard spot, Leff will be looking to show that he’s versatile enough to stick around as depth.

His efficiency as a run blocker should mean that there isn’t a major drop-off from Wes Schweitzer, Ben Garland or Sean Harlow at guard. Unfortunately, he also shares their rawness and limitations in pass protection.

His potential to play multiple positions could be his biggest asset and he could provide value in jumbo formations. In Jake Matthews, Andy Levitre, Alex Mack, Ryan Schraeder, Schweitzer, Harlow and Garland, the team has seven linemen who will definitely make the roster. That leaves one or two positions open and Leff will have the opportunity to show that he belongs.